Joseph Prischak (1931-2022) grew up on a farm in northwestern Pennsylvania but wanted something different. At 18, he arrived in Erie, PA, ready to work hard and find his career path. He bussed tables and put roofs on houses until landing a job grinding scrap runners in the plastic molding division of Erie Resistor, a pioneer in electrical resistors and plastic injection molding. That job set the course for the rest of his amazing career.

After serving in the U. S. Army from 1951 to 1953, Prischak returned to Erie Resistor and took a second job at Penn Erie Tool Shop. A few years later, this fast-learning, forward-thinking man, recognizing the potential of the tool-making field, founded Triangle Tool Company in 1956. Years of hard work at Triangle earned Prischak a reputation as an expert in the tool-making industry. In 1971, his expertise took him in a natural progression into the world of injection molding when Prischak founded Plastek. Over the years, he perfected the plastic manufacturing craft, solidifying his place in the plastics industry.

Joseph concluded his career as Chairman of the Board at Plastek Group, a global injection molding operation with facilities in the U.S., U.K., Brazil, and Mexico. The organization employs over 2,500 people and specializes in industrial design, mold design, tool building, assembly, decorating, and more.

Along the way, Prischak secured many patents and received numerous accolades and awards, including “Master Entrepreneur of the Year,” sponsored by Inc. Magazine, Merril Lynch, and Ernst and Young. He is also the father of America’s largest undergraduate plastics program at Penn State Erie.